Huthis Send Eight UN and Civil Society Workers to Prosecution on Death-Penalty Charges
Yemen’s Huthi authorities have referred eight UN and civil society workers to criminal prosecution on espionage and “aiding the enemy” charges that carry the death penalty, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The move adds to a crackdown in Huthi-controlled areas: the groups say more than 100 UN and civil society workers have been arbitrarily detained since May 2024.
Bottom line — All eight remain detained, and Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say their health is deteriorating.
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The eight include two UN employees, one UN consultant and five people who worked with local or international civil society groups.
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Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say detainees have been denied adequate access to lawyers; families reported that some were forced to confess under torture or threats of torture.
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The organisations say the charges carry the death penalty, although none of the eight is accused of intentional killing.
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At least two detainees have diabetes and lack adequate care, one is at risk of glaucoma, and another is receiving chemotherapy for stomach cancer, the organisations report.
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Amnesty International says one detained UN worker, Sami Kallabi, has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy; authorities have not disclosed where he is held.
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As of February 2026, at least 73 UN staff and dozens of humanitarian and civil society workers remained in Huthi detention, according to the organisations.